A bill to remove virtually all remaining restrictions on abortion has been proposed by People Before Profit TD, Brid Smith. It aligns with the recommendations of the abortion law review which has been sharply criticised by pro-life groups.

The bill, which they are calling the Pro-Choice Bill, will be given its second stage reading in the Dáil on Thursday 25th May, the 5th Anniversary of the repeal of the right to life of the unborn.

The draft text would abolish the 3-day waiting period, which they call “patronising and unnecessary”.

It would also remove the 12 week time limit for accessing an abortion on request; it would extend the 28-day mortality limit in cases of a serious life-limiting condition to one year; and it would remove the criminal penalties for illegal abortions.

In an email to supporters, Deputy Smith said the current legislation creates a two-tier system where only those who can afford to travel for healthcare can access terminations that are otherwise denied to them.